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Orthostatic hypotension in the healthy elderly
1Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Geriatric Medicine, 06110 Cebeci, Ankara, Turkey. teslimeatli@yahoo.com
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|February 10, 2006
Summary
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) affects nearly 15% of healthy elderly individuals. This condition is linked to increased left ventricular mass, but not impaired blood pressure or autonomic function.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a prevalent condition in the elderly, often leading to complications like falls and fractures.
- Emerging evidence suggests a link between OH and cardiovascular risk factors, including cerebrovascular events and arterial stiffness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of OH in healthy elderly individuals.
- To investigate the association of OH with cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, left ventricular mass, plasma insulin, and autonomic function tests.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 61 healthy elderly subjects (35 male/26 female) to assess OH prevalence.
- Comparison of demographic and physiological parameters between subjects with and without OH, including autonomic function tests (HRR to Valsalva, HRV during deep breathing, HRR to standing).
Main Results:
- The prevalence of OH was found to be 14.7% (9 out of 61 subjects).
- No significant differences were observed in blood glucose, electrolytes, BMI, blood pressure, or autonomic function tests between OH and non-OH groups.
- Subjects with OH exhibited a significantly higher left ventricular mass index (p<0.05), while the non-OH group had higher fasting plasma insulin levels (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- OH is a common condition in healthy elderly individuals.
- The association between OH, increased left ventricular mass index, and potential blood pressure dysregulation warrants further investigation to elucidate underlying mechanisms.